Function of biofilms in phytopathogenic bacterial-host interactions

Abstract:

Biofilms are complex three-dimensional bacterial assemblages that attach to biotic or abiotic solid surfaces, and frequently embed within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Biofilm formation is a microbial defense response to biotic and abiotic stresses, and a key factor for survival in adverse environments. A wide variety of microorganisms can colonize distant tissues of higher plants, such as leaves, vascular network and roots, and adhere to the surface of the tissues to form biofilms. The dynamic processes in forming biofilms in response to plant internal environment are key steps required for full virulence of phytopathogenic bacteria. Exploring the mechanisms involved in regulation of bacterial biofilms is important for understanding the plant-pathogens interactions. In this review, we summarized the research progresses related to the biofilms of bacterial phytopathogens, including biofilm characteristics, essential regulatory mechanisms and key signals affecting the transition between a planktonic lifestyle and multicellular behavior.

Key words:phytopathogenic bacteria, biofilms, stress, regulatory mechanism